Seaswirl general questions

[masterp]

Has anybody heard about a claas action suit aginst Seaswirl due to structural integrity problems? I saw a post under I/O forum; this is the first I hear about it. I had originally labled this Seaswirl classaction but this seems more apporpriate now...so some of you may have already responded to this post. Thanks

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Seaswirl general questions

As a Striper owner, you'd think I'd hear about it. I saw and responded to that same post. That's how idiots get rumors started.<br />FYI, I checked all the search engines and found no reference to same (Genmar is suing Brunswick/Bayliner for an affirmative action issue, and, according to Google, someone's on an RV site who owns a Seaswirl is trolling for a class action suit against Mercury). But you don't have to believe me....do your own search.<br />MasterB***, you tried to stir this pot on that other forum. What's your real issue?<br />Jeez. Now I know how Bayliner owners feel (except I don't have to ride in one... )

 

[masterp]

Re: Seaswirl general questions

I wasn't trying to stir the pot Capn Mike. I was just looking for real information because am very interested in purchasing a Seaswirl Striper and am considering a used one at this time. So the real issue is getting good information. And by the way I did searches on google before I posted this and can up with the same as you. The only bad information is no information at all.

 

[tgooch47]

Re: Seaswirl general questions

I also own a Seaswirl and haven't heard about any class action suit. Have been satisfied with the boat to date although it has only been one boating season here in Michigan. So far the motor has been perfect and the boat itself no major probs. Just the minor picky things that could easily be corrected by myself rather than a hurried marina employee. I do have a 26 Striper, 2002 boat, but built with the older hull design on request. Easier for me to fish with the high squared off aft design than the Euro tapered stern. How about any other Seaswirl owners out there and your input about your boat.

 

[sundancer270]

Re: Seaswirl general questions

I posted a reply where you first Post was. Nothing wrong with Sea Swirl. That Boat is Built like a TANK . M1A1

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: Seaswirl general questions

Capt T,<br /><br />I've got a 'square' Striper - 1850 (2000). My buddy has the 'Euro' Striper - 1851 (2001). I had a chance to compare the two on a recent trip to the Keys.<br /><br />My 1850 hull is a gullwing. There's no flare to my bow. I run a 115 Ficht.<br /><br />My buddy's 1851 does not have the gull wing hull. His has a nice flare to the bow. He runs a 135 Johnson. His boat is slightly heavier from the factory but I've added a 10 gal water tank, A/C w/ generator, and a host of spares -- so I'm probably heavier on the water than he is.<br /><br />We both run 15 X 17 aluminum props. He gets me out of the hole. I get him on top end. He slices through some chop that will pound my fillings loose, but I can stay on top of other chop at 30 mph while he digs in. His Johnson burns 10 gals of gas to my Ficht's 7.<br /><br />I tow with a 1998 4.6 F150 (3 door) 4X2, he tows with a 2001 F150 5.4 (4 door) 4X4. I get 13+ mpg towing, he gets 11.<br /><br />For the Keys, I'd take his hull - he stayed dryer and more comfortable in the chop/slop than I did, but I do most of my cruising on the protected ICW and my hull takes better to that kind of water than his -- lower planing speed...<br /><br />If we were both boat shopping today, I'd get the 1850/Ficht 115, he'd get the 1851/Johnson 135. I'd buy another F150 4.6 2X4, he'd do the F150 5.4 4X4.<br /><br />If there was any clear cut agreement on which was better, it would be to have trailer brakes -- my trailer has 'em, his doesn't. He'd get brakes on his trailer next time (and will probably upgrade), but he didn't think the truer tracking and smoother ride from my tandem axle was enough to warrant a change from his single axle. I pay more in tolls due to the second axle.<br /><br />If you read some of my other posts, you'll see that among other places, I've been to the Bahamas...alone -- that's how much confidence I have in my Striper/Ficht. <br /><br />I haven't heard anything about a Class Action and wouldn't give a hoot if I did.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Seaswirl general questions

If you want to know for sure, contact the State Attorney General in the state where they are manufactured or have their headquarters. <br /><br />Or just take the recommendation of the guys who posted here. Sounds like they love their boats to me.

 

[masterp]

Re: Seaswirl general questions

Thanks Nick and Roscoe! I had to do a little research before posting a reply because I was not fimiliar with Evinrude Fitch technology. I believe your runnind HPDI engine on the back of your Seaswirl which accounts for the extra power and better economy. The boat I'm looking at is a 1998 21'cuddy walk around Striper with a 1997 175hp Johnson Oceanrunner Ob. They asking 18,500. With all the changes in outboards, I'm afraid that might be old technology and I'm thinking of new instead.

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Seaswirl general questions

Mine is a 2000 model year, 2300 WA, OMC-produced 200hp Johnson, canvas tops and sides. I had a power pack "issue" the first year that was taken care of by Bombardier under warranty .... I've had no problems since. I figure with a full tank of gas and all my gear, I weigh 4200 lbs,+/-. Use a 15 x 15.5 prop, and average 20 gal/hr +/- @ 4800 rpm (cruising speed). I just added a Navman fuel flow meter, so I'm going to experiment on how to be "economical." Other than no insulated fish boxes, I'm very pleased with mine, and the "Euro" transom doesn't appear to be a problem...keep a 9.9 Yamaha 4s kicker on one side, and an ice chest on the other.<br />Masterp, while the "old" carb technology may be a problem on some lakes in Calif., you're a ways from there! The trade off, of course, is higher fuel useage, but Johnson carb motors are pretty bullet-proof: the Coast Guard here still uses them on their smaller boats. If you want direct injection or 4 stroke, plan on paying lots more for the initial cost. I figured I can buy lots of gas for the difference.<br />I tow mine with a 2-whl drive chevy v-6 and manual transmission, but I don't tow often nor far: 9 months of the year, I'm in a marina.<br />Stripers were obviously designed by a fisherman for fishermen, and I'd buy another.

 

[tgooch47]

Re: Seaswirl general questions

Nick, The reason I preferred the squared off stearn if for the ease of netting Great Lakes salmon. For us (wife and I) it is easier and is not the reach that the euro design demands. Downriggers and equipment tie up much available gunnel space and since we reached over an outboard for many years on a previous boat I preferred this design. GPH on our I/O is never checked, no need as I know it is poor, but we enjoy the necessary power when needed on Lake Michigan. Top end speed is 40 mph @ 4750 rpm, however low end grunt is strong and will be improved with the new 15 1/4 X 15 4 blade prop. This should also give us better fuel economy. We are happy with our purchase and look forward to another boating season. Unfortunately our "comfortable" season is usually only from May till Sept. <br />Safe boating!! Capt. T

 

[imported_Shameless]

Re: Seaswirl general questions

I have a 2003 2106 Striper that I use a great deal, over 800 hours in first three seasons. Most of my fishing is off shore, deep water halibut, tuna and salmon. In tough weather I often need to "back down" against the waves. The Euro transom (not my favorite design for a fishing boat) allows water to roll up and onto the motor hatch. I've replaced the hatch cover, added more seals at the seams and added rubber hatch restraints. Still I get saltwater leaking through the hatch cover. In three seasons I've replaced 2 starter motors and a steering actuator. Still leaking on big water days.
My next fix is to cut the hatch cover across above the hood supports and add a stainless hinge then silicone seal the lower half of the hatch cover to the hull. This would give me service access and seal the most seams Anyone seams.Anyone else have this problem and if so have you found a solution.